Abstract

A survey was conducted to document the ethnobotanical potential of Zangelanlo district during 2009 to 2010. The study was mainly focused on gathering information on traditional uses of plants from local peoples. Local inhabitants are extremely knowledgeable about the utilization of indigenous flora of the study area. The main uses of the herbal drugs were as febrifuge, anthelmintic and in digestive problems, jaundice, respiratory ailments, urinary diseases, skin diseases and diabetes. In this present investigation, 52 plants species belonging to 48 genera and 26 families were included. The major plant families which contributed in folk herbs included Lamiaceae (9 spp.), Asteraceae (8 spp.), Apiaceae (4 spp.) and Fabaceae (3 spp.). For each species, botanical name, vernacular name, used plant part(s) and medicinal uses are provided. The results of this survey indicated that the studied area is rich in medicinal plants to treat a wide spectrum of human ailments. Therefore, this work will also contribute for the search of new drugs and treatments.

Key words: Ethnobotany, medicinal plants, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae, Zangelanlo, Iran.